At any point in the summer, you could find yourself surrounded by bored kiddos and rainy weather. Aside from finding your new favorite novel or the perfect picture book, the local libraries around NoVA are hosting events throughout the summer as a way to keep everyone entertained, rain or shine.
Here are eight events that will have kids going from bored to bouncing in no time.
Dog Tales
Saturday, June 1, 10:45-11:30 a.m.
With perked ears and a peaked interest, Truman the trained therapy dog is happy to listen as kids take turns reading aloud to practice their pronunciation and grow their confidence. // Herndon Fortnightly Library: 768 Center St., Herndon; Ages 5-12; free
Sensory Time
Thursday, June 6, 4:30-5 p.m.
Enjoy stories, songs and activities to support an environment that adapts to children on the autism spectrum and other developmental challenges. // Howell Branch: 806 Lyons Blvd., Fredericksburg; All ages; free
Summer Reading Challenge Opening Day
Saturday, June 8, 1-3 p.m.
Read your way through Arlington Public Library’s summer challenge and you could win a pair of tickets to a Washington Nationals game. At this kick-off event, readers can color their own summer reading backpack while supplies last. // Aurora Hills Branch Library: 735 18th St. S, Arlington; Ages 5-10; free
Pajama Story Time
Tuesday, June 11, 6-7 p.m.
Slide into your slippers and gather ’round for stories, songs and activities, all while in your favorite comfy clothes. // Warrenton Central Library: 11 Winchester St., Warrenton; Ages 2-12; free
Grandpa’s Farm Show
Wednesday, June 26, 7-7:45 p.m.
“The pig on the farm goes…” you know the rest. Meet your new favorite puppet pals through Grandpa’s Farm Show held at the Goodlife Theater. // Centreville Regional Library: 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville; All ages; free
Stranger Things Premiere Party
Wednesday, July 3, 2-3:30 p.m.
Grab your closest pals to celebrate the third season release of the Netflix series Stranger Things with all things upside-down. Watch previous episodes while enjoying Stranger Things-themed activities and enter a raffle to win the first two seasons on Blu-Ray. // Bull Run Library: 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas; Ages 12-17; free
Dog Days of Summer
Monday, July 8, 3-4 p.m.
Why are they called “the dog days” of summer, anyways? Find out the backstory of the phrase while making your own dog ears, collar necklace and a canine-inspired scavenger hunt. // Brambleton Library: 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton; Ages 5-10; free
Science Tellers
Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m.-noon
“Aliens: Escape from Earth!” is an action-packed alien adventure through science experiments, showcasing special effects and “out of this world” entertainment. // James M. Duncan Jr. Library: 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria; All ages; free
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